Two inmates found dead in separate incidents

Two San Bernardino County inmates have been found dead in their cells in less than a week.

The body of Karl Hoyer, 48, was found in his Morongo Basin jail cell on Sunday. In San Bernardino's Central Detention Center, Brian Pittman, 23, was found dead on Thursday.

Sheriff's detectives say Pittman used the cell bars and a towel to cut off his air supply, and he was not breathing when they found him, according to a news release.

At the Morongo jail, deputies found Hoyer hanging in his cell. They immediately began CPR and Hoyer was transported to High Desert Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Investigators determined that Hoyer was alone in his cell when he was found hanging with a bed sheet tied around his neck, according to a sheriff's news release. Hoyer had been in custody since April 21, 2012, accused of attempted murder, and was in Morongo Basin jail for a recent court hearing.

Pittman was arrested by San Bernardino Police Department on Wednesday accused of child abuse.

He was alone in his cell when he was found.

Anyone with information regarding the Hoyer investigation is urged to contact Detective A. Avila at 909-387-3589.

The investigation into Pittman's death is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Davenport at 909-387-3589.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WeTip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the WeTip Hotline at wetip.com.